Culture shock 波兰语1601谢诗蕾 Culture diverse from one country to another so culture shock happens frequently for people who move abroad. I can still remember clearly the days when I went to Europe as if everything just happen yesterday.
Last summer vacation I went to Poland for a summer school at Nicolaus Copernicus University. After several classes, I felt that students in Poland were not the same as we were in China. Chinese students always hesitate to make a statement in class on our own initiative because we fear to make mistakes and show our ignorance in front of others. Sometimes when being directly asked for some questions, unlike Polish students, who were more creative and could give an answer immediately, I had to take a long time to think them over to make sure my answer was correct .All these differences led to misunderstanding since my teachers considered me as a shy, stupid or even abnormal girl according to them. My teachers often felt uncomfortable with my silence and tended to interpret it as an indicator of my inability to answer a question. Though culture shock often dropped me into embarrassment, I believe that it’s just a common problem which could be overcome. I have figured out some useful ways to deal with them. For the start, learn as much as we can about the new location before we go, including the basic information like time zones or climate, political system, religions and also cultural customs. It will help you get mentally prepared and avoid some embarrassments. The more you know about that place, the easier can you adapt to the circumstance. Besides, be open-minded and initiative to learn. Form the habit of asking and never let off any of your confusions. What’s more, push yourself and don’t be panicking. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There is no shame in gaining knowledge from mistakes. And it’s also a good idea to try to communicate with local people as often as possible. Find ways to get yourself involved to the culture at the highest level. For instance, you can go to museum or historic sites, join some collective activities. Next, make some news friends and try to associate with positive and interesting people, who will be ready to help you in your daily life and can also prevent you from distress. Last but not least, keep in touch with your families and friends and bring something from your home with you, such as photos of your family members or postcard written by your classmate. It will alleviate your homesickness to some extent. Anyway, culture shock is not a tough problem if you keep positive attitude and be willing to integrate into the new environment. And experiencing it is also a great opportunity for leaning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.
